RWU’s Brenda Clement Earns Spot on PBN’s Most Influential List for HousingWorks RI Leadership

BRISTOL, R.I. – For more than three decades, Brenda Clement has been an influential voice in the conversation around housing in Rhode Island. This year, the Executive Director of HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University was named one of Providence Business News’ (PBN) Most Influential People, recognizing her sustained leadership in affordable housing advocacy and data-driven public policy.

A native Rhode Islander from Pawtucket, Clement’s work has long been rooted in the communities she calls home. Her career began nearly 30 years ago in response to rising homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing in her hometown. What started as volunteer work through her church led to the founding of a citywide organization now known as Pawtucket Central Falls Development. She later became the first executive director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island, a statewide association of nonprofit community development corporations – an experience that helped define her professional path.

“I didn’t realize it at the time, but my volunteer experiences put me on a career path that has allowed me to have an important impact in my community and to put my faith to action,” Clement said.

At RWU, Clement also serves as a part-time director in the Community Development program in the Extension School. Through HousingWorks RI, she has built the organization into a trusted source for housing data and research across the state. Under her leadership, HousingWorks RI produces its widely cited annual Fact Book and hosts Rhode Island’s zoning map for the National Zoning Atlas. The organization’s work informs federal, state, and local decision-makers on how housing affordability intersects with economic development, public health, and overall community stability.

“The team at HousingWorks strives to provide quality data and information to inform policy and elevate the importance of housing affordability,” Clement said. “We believe that facts do matter, and we will continue to add our voice to the effort to improve housing affordability in Rhode Island.”

Providence Business News, the state’s leading source for business and economic reporting, annually recognizes leaders whose work significantly shapes Rhode Island’s economic and civic landscape. Honorees are selected for their professional achievement, leadership, and measurable impact on the state’s communities and quality of life.

For Clement, housing policy is ultimately about opportunity.

“I believe, and often say, that the path to economic opportunity begins at your front door,” she said. “Nothing works right in your life without a safe and healthy home. Unfortunately, one out of three Rhode Islanders struggles to keep a roof over their heads.”

Her contributions have earned numerous honors over the years, including the Francis Smith Award from Housing Network RI, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rhode Island Housing, a Healthy Housing Award from the Rhode Island Department of Health, and a Local Hero Award from Bank of America.

Despite the accolades, Clement remains focused on the work itself.

“It is always humbling and nice to receive recognition for work that I enjoy doing,” she said. “I am blessed to have many friends and colleagues who do this work with me, and a family who loves and supports me.”

For students, policymakers, and community leaders, her recognition underscores the power of sustained collaboration, credible research, and service-driven leadership in addressing one of Rhode Island’s most pressing challenges: ensuring that every resident has a safe and affordable place to call home.